Redcar RNLI volunteers spread the water safety message to thousands

Water safety stalwart Tony Jamieson was joined by two new crew members, John Reece, and Rob Eddon. They became Redcar RNLI’s water safety team. Their brief was to reach out to as many people as possible and reinforce the RNLI’s key water safety messages.

Volunteers Tony, John and Rob have taken on this challenge and have managed to spread the RNLI’s water safety message to thousands of Teesside schoolkids as well as many other local groups such as the Women’s Institute and Redcar Blind Society, during 2022, and their water safety talks are already starting to fill up for 2023.

As Water Safety Officer John Reece, said, ‘We try to get the water safety messages out in as fun a way as possible. Each session is tailored to the type of group we are dealing with. We explain some key actions they can take to make their visit to our beaches and coast a safe and enjoyable experience. We tell people how to float to live, to always have a means of calling for help, check the weather and tides and to call 999 and ask for the Coastguard if they think someone is in trouble in the water.'

Mike Picknett, Lifeboat Operations Manager at Redcar RNLI, emphasised the importance of the work the water safety team do for the RNLI: ‘The message delivered by our Water Safety team to the people of Teesside helps to keep both children and adults safe on our beaches and in our sea. Prevention is a great tool for the RNLI to use in its efforts to carry out its work as the charity that saves lives at sea.’

Mike added: 'You can also get more information on how to stay safe along our coast by visiting www.RNLI.org/safety. Here you will find safety information for many types of activities that happen along our coastline.'

Notes to Editors

Redcar lifeboat station has been operating since 1802

Redcar currently operates a B-class lifeboat named Leicester Challenge III, paid for by the people of Leicester, and an IB1-class lifeboat named Eileen May Loach-Thomas, paid from the legacy of the late Mr Nick Thomas of Shropshire

RNLI Media contacts

For more information, please contact Andy Watson, Lifeboat Press Officer, Redcar RNLI on 07954 435834 or 01642 484491 or email [email protected]

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

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Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.